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Sega

Game Description:When longtime Sega mascot Sonic the Hedgehog made his debut on the Dreamcast console in Sonic Adventure, gamers were stunned. Sega had not only used the game to show off the tremendous possibilities of the then-new hardware, but they had reinvigorated the platform-style arcade adventure genre with massive, intricate levels, gleefully distracting minigames, and even a new kind of virtual pet, called a Chao, that could be combined with other pets, traded with friends, and even exchanged over the Internet. Sonic Adventure 2 ups the ante of its predecessor with all-new puzzles and levels, and even faster action reminiscent of the early Genesis-era games. Knuckles and Tails are back, as are the Chao pets (who can now talk!).

Ill readily admit that Ive never been the worlds biggest Sonic fan, but I know a good game when I see it. When it comes to Sonic Adventure 2, I dont see it. Rather than beat around the bush, Im just going to cut to the chase here.

Game Description:If you’re just not getting enough variety in your video game diet, look no further than the all-inclusive Sega Smash Pack Volume 1. You’ll get immediate access to a dozen classic games, including: Golden Axe, Altered Beast, Columns, Sonic the Hedgehog, Revenge of Shinobi, Streets of Rage 2, Shining Force, Wrestle War, Vectorman and Phantasy Star II. The two most modern inclusions are the Dreamcast version of Virtua Cop 2 (previously available only in Japan) and Sega Swirl.

Like Brad, I have issues with Sega Smash Pack Volume 1. There are some true standouts in Streets Of Rage 2, Shining Force, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Virtua Cop 2 (even without light-gun support); all are shining examples of the Sega at its best in the pre-PlayStation age. The rest, however, are either throwaways like Sega Swirl and Wrestle War or games that do not stand the test of time like Phantasy Star II and Altered Beast. This has always been a sore spot of mine with these compilation releases.

The Sega Smash Pack: Volume 1 is Segas version of the old-time compilation disc trend made popular recently by companies with a rich history of games—such as Namco, Konami and Midway. The disc includes no less than nine certified, triple-A, 16-bit classics out of the Genesis era as well as three other miscellaneous titles to add to the overall value of the purchase. The games listed on the back of the case are practically a "whos who" of the greatest cartridges available for Segas renowned machine.

Game Description:Join Sonic and all of his friends in the ultimate party game, which is set in a unique and magical world. In this new adventure, Illumina, the Guardian Angel, needs your help. The mysterious monster Void has locked up the power of the Precioustones, which are powerful crystals that are made from the hopes and dreams of people from every dimension. It's up to you to guide Sonic and his friends through incredible game boards to recover the Precioustones. Play with up to three friends to find out who'll be the first to save the land of Maginary Whirl. Each character has unique abilities to help it in its quest. Play minigames, fight bosses, and work your way through special events in Sonic's latest adventure.

Sonic Shuffle is Sega's inevitable entry into the party game genre, which got its start with Nintendo's Mario Party on the Nintendo 64. Guess what—Sonic Shuffle isn't fast, isn't hip, and it certainly doesn't have any attitude. And that's not all. Not only isn't it a good Sonic game, but it also isn't a very good party game, either.

I agree whole-heartedly with everything in Ben's review with the exception of his slam on Saturday Night Live alum and comic genius, Adam Sandler. Sonic Shuffle was obviously created to take on Mario Party, only Sega wanted to disguise this by tinkering with it to make it a little "different." That decision doomed Sonic Shuffle to be one of the worst mascot cross over games ever made.

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